By JOHN GESSNER, Staff Writer
A man was injured and another arrested in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 16 near Hayride Avenue.
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., the Monroe County Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a two-vehicle head-on crash at the intersection of State Highway 16 and Hayride Ave, Sparta, WI in the Town of Adrian.
The initial investigation revealed a 2016 Mazda 3 driven by Kenneth Mickelson, of Gays Mills, WI was traveling east on State Highway 16. The vehicle crossed the center line into the westbound lane striking a 1977 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Thomas Pleuss, of Tomah, WI. The impact caused the Jeep to leave the roadway and overturn. The Mazda was disabled in the roadway.
The westbound lane was closed for emergency services for approximately one and a half hours.
Thomas sustained significant injuries related to the crash and was transported to a hospital in La Crosse, WI. Kenneth was transported to Tomah Heath to be evaluated and was later arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office once he was cleared of the hospital.
Kenneth was arrested for Injury by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle, OWI 3rd causing injury, Reckless Driving Causing Great Bodily Harm, and Misdemeanor Bail Jumping. He was also issued traffic citations related to the crash.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash. No further information will be released at this time.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Monroe County Communications Center, Monroe County Emergency Management, Tomah Police Department, Sparta Area Fire District, Emplify Ambulance, Wisconsin State Patrol, Fort McCoy Police, and Rush Hour Towing.
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